Researchers create microgears that are thinner than a human hair
For years, researchers have been on the hunt for the new methods to develop self-propelling nanomachines.
A group recently published their finds that focused integrating microfabricated units with biological motors.
The team designed 8-micrometer microgears that spin when micromotors, made of Janus particles, which dock in the gear's teeth and pushing it in a spinning motion.
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A group recently published their finds that focused integrating microfabricated units with biological motors. The team designed microgears that spin when micromotors, made of Janus particles, which dock in the gear's teeth and pushing it in a spinning motion
'The modern tools of nanotechnology can be used to shape matter at the micron and nanoscale with a high degree of structural and morphological control,' Claudio Maggi, at the University of Rome, told Phys.org.
'Recently researchers have started to investigate possible strategies to 'give life' to these structures and provide them with some mechanism for self-propulsion.'
WHAT ARE JANUS PARTICLES?
pre bonded hairJanus particles are a kind of nanoparticles with a surface of two or more distinct physical properties.
The synthesis of Janus nanoparticles requires the ability to selectively create each side of a nanometer-sized particle with different chemical properties in a cost-effective and reliable way that produces the particle of interest in high yield.
There are three major methods used in synthesis of Janus particles:
1. Masking: This technique was developed by simply taking synthesis techniques of larger Janus particles and scaling down to the nanoscale.
2. Self-assembly: This method uses the well-studied methods of producing block copolymers with well-defined geometries and compositions across a large variety of substrates.
3. Phase separation: This method involves the mixing of two or more incompatible substances which then separate into their own domains while still part of a single nanoparticle.
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'Recently researchers have started to investigate possible strategies to 'give life' to these structures and provide them with some mechanism for self-propulsion.'
Researchers chose to work with Janus particles as the micromotors, as it has two surfaces that give the particles an asymmetric shape.
'Janus particles can self-assemble around microfabricated gears in reproducible configurations with a high degree of spatial and orientational order,' according to the journal published in Small.
'The final configuration maximizes the torque applied on the rotor leading to a unidirectional and steady rotating motion.
'The interplay between geometry and dynamical behavior leads to the self-assembly of Janus micromotors starting from randomly distributed particles.'
Since one side of the particles is coated with a light absorbing material, platinum, the hydrogen peroxide will allow it to rotate smoothly.
remy hair extensionsThis method is based on a previous study some of the authors wrote in 2010, which discussed how self-propelling bacteria or microswimmers can be used to produce motion.
But later, the team found that it wasn't the 'nanotechnology dream' they hoped for, as both moved in random directions making it difficult to control and produce one steady motion.
Researchers see great potential in this new method because it works with lower particle concentrations and highly deterministic, according to Phys.org.
Since one side of the particles is coated with a light absorbing material, platinum, the hydrogen peroxide will allow it to rotate smoothly. Researchers see great potential in this new method because it works with lower particle concentrations and highly deterministic
While testing, the spinning of the microgears increased as more particles docked into the teeth of the gears.
But they did find that once four or more particles locked into the gears the speed was maxed out and the motors began to slow down.
This could be due to the fact the more Janus particles deplete the hydrogen peroxide solution so that the speed decreases, according to the researchers.
'We have now demonstrated that active Janus colloids can self-assemble around a micro-fabricated rotor in reproducible configurations with a high degree of spatial and orientational order,' said coauthor Roberto Di Leonardo at the Italian National Research Council, and the coordinator of the research group.
'The interplay between geometry and dynamical behavior leads to the self-assembly of autonomous micromotors starting from randomly distributed particles.
Besides having a clear technological interest, our results demonstrate that understanding fundamental aspects of interactions in active matter systems opens the way to highly reproducible and controllable micromachines for lab-on-chip applications.'
As a follow-up study, the team hopes to examine how tuning the concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be used to control the rotational speed of the micromotors, which is key for lab-on-chip micromachines and other applications.

With starring roles in Suicide Squad, Wolf of Wall Street and The Legend of Tarzan, Margot Robbie has Hollywood well and truly under her spell.
And now a new generation of up-and-coming Australian soap stars are trying to emulate the success of the ex-Neighbours actress.
Olympia Valance, Mavournee Hazel and Lilly Van Der Meer - all of whom are causing a stir on Neighbours, are trying to follow in their role model's footsteps.
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Role model: Neighbours star Olympia Valance (left) is trying to emulate the success of Margot Robbie (right)
Lilly, who plays Xanthe Canning on the show, has even been touted as the new Margot thanks, in part, to her upbringing in the same Gold Coast neighbourhood.
The 16-year-old has previously told the Courier Mail how she has been spurred on by the blonde beauty's success.
'I love watching all her films, and it's so encouraging to see how well she has done,' she said.

Rising star: Lilly Van Der Meer (pictured) has also expressed an interest in moving to LA
Sister act: Olympia (left), whose is blessed with the same incredible looks as her older sister Holly Candy (nee Valance), is also making waves on the popular soap
'I love where I am right now. Neighbours is so amazing and I ­always wanted to be a part of a show like this.'
Olympia, whose is blessed with the same incredible looks as her older sister Holly Candy (nee Valance), is also making waves on the popular soap.
The brunette beauty has already been scouted by the same Hollywood agents that look after Chris and Liam Hemsworth.
She has not ruled out a move to Tinseltown and all eyes will be on the 23-year-old when her contract runs out early next year.
perruques cheveuxMaking waves: Olympia has already been scouted by the same Hollywood agents that look after Chris and Liam Hemsworth
Popular: With starring roles in Suicide Squad (pictured), Wolf of Wall Street and The Legend of Tarzan, Margot Robbie has Hollywood well and truly under her spell
Olympia, who plays Paige Smith on the show, has previously told Sydney Morning Herald how she would 'love' to try something different and star in a movie.
'LA might be down the line,' she said.
Mavournee has also spoken about how she strives to match Margot's work ethic on the Neighbours set.
She told news.com.au: 'Margot's work ethic (on Neighbours) was impeccable. She always arrived on set knowing her lines.
'Being where Margot has been I'm trying to replicate that.'
Talent: Mavournee Hazel has also spoken about how she strives to match Margot's work ethic on the Neighbours set

She's been enjoying a picturesque holiday in Italy with her family.
And Beyonce looked stylish as she was spotted in Lipari, Sicily with husband Jay Z and their adorable daughter Blue Ivy on Friday.
Rocking a black one-piece swimsuit, the 34-year-old superstar enjoyed the sights and sounds of the beautiful island with her nearest and dearest.
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Fun in the sun! Beyonce looked stylish as she was spotted in Lipari, Sicily with husband Jay Z and their adorable daughter Blue Ivy
lace front wigsShowing off her sizzling hot body, her strapless monokini accentuated her ample cleavage and featured a patterned string planel across her midriff with pretty gold beading.
Adding a splash of colour, she donned a chunky turquoise statement necklace and accessorised with hoop earrings.
Covering her face with a large sunhat, she looked every inch the stylish star.
Sizzling! Rocking a black one-piece swimsuit, the 34-year-old superstar enjoyed the sights and sounds of the beautiful island
Effortless glamour: Covering her pretty face with metallic shades, she wore her trademark golden tresses in beach curls
Yummy mummy: Showing off her sizzling hot body, her strapless monokini accentuated her ample cleavage and featured a patterned string planel across her midriff with pretty gold beading
And covering her pretty face with metallic shades, she wore her trademark golden tresses in beach curls.
Adding a cover-up to her ensemble, she rocked a semi-sheer dark blue kaftan.
Opting for casual footwear, the Run The World hitmaker wore low black sandals.
La Dolce Vita! Adding a splash of colour, she donned a chunky turquoise statement necklace and accessorised with hoop earrings
Mini-me: Little Blue Ivy was also in tow, looking cute in a burgundy summer dress
Adorable: Wearing her hair in cute bows, the four-year-old tot donned pretty designer sandals with metallic wings

Family affair: 46-year-old music mogul Jay looked casual in a white T-shirt and shorts, as they explored the island with a group of friends
Precious cargo: Doting dad Jay and a pal helped Blue Ivy onto a boat
I got you babe: Jay then turned his attentions to his stunning wife, making sure she got onto the boat safely
Little Blue Ivy was also in tow, looking cute in a burgundy summer dress.
Wearing her hair in cute bows, she donned pretty designer sandals with metallic wings.
The four-year-old tot held on to dad Jay Z's hand as they boarded a boat.
VIP treatment: Bey held out her hand as she negotiated the jump from the shore
cosplay wigsLeggy: The music superstar showed off her long legs as she climbed aboard
Mini me: Beyonce kept close to her daughter all day, holding her hand in the sunshine
Group outing: Beyonce and Jay have been joined by some friends in Italy
The 46-year-old music mogul looked casual in a white T-shirt and shorts, as they explored the island with a group of friends.
The pop star and her family were enjoying some down time after wrapping up the European leg of her Formation World Tour.
Beyoncé's tour heads back to the US next month, as she continues to promote her latest album Lemonade.
The need for speed: Beyonce later showed off her action girl side as she hit a jet ski
VIP on board! The star got some pointers before whizzing off
Giving her a run for her money: Jay also hopped on a jet ski for a ride across the waves